Rotational Therapy Assistant

Job overview

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

This position is accountable to the Inpatient Lead Physiotherapist at University Hospital Lewisham. The purpose of the position is to assist Physiotherapists in providing therapy assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients. Also to assist in the administration and clerical duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post

Main duties of the job

Experience of dealing with the public is essential, preferably in a care environment. Good communication skills, common sense and a friendly disposition are important. You must be able to assist in the moving and handling of patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary:

This position is accountable to the Service Lead Physiotherapists at University Hospital Lewisham. The purpose of the position is to assist Physiotherapists to provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients. Also to assist in the administration and clerical duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

Key Result Areas & Performance:

• To assist the therapists in moving and handling patients before, during and after treatments, using appropriate manual handling equipment, eg. hoists, standing frames
• To assist the therapist with individual and group assessments / treatments / activities, including hydrotherapy, or to treat patients on a 1:1 basis or in a group situation, as directed by the therapists
• To report back to the delegating therapist relevant information regarding patient management
• To escort patients to and from wards / departments
• To escort and assist patients with toilet and dressing requirements as necessary
• To assist with the patients on home visits as directed by the therapists, giving support and advice as appropriate. Includes collection and return of house keys from/to inpatients
• To deliver and install simple aids and equipment in the patient's home as agreed by therapy staff and to instruct patients and carers in the use of this equipment, as appropriate
• To supply patients with appropriate, safe, walking aids and to instruct patients in the use of this equipment
• To transfer information from patient records to therapy records, including operation notes/details
• To maintain accurate computer and written records that meet professional and Trust standard
• To write any therapy assessments/reports in consultation with Physiotherapists, and according to local standards. To ensure any written reports are filed promptly in the appropriate place.
• To use the relevant therapy/hospital computer information system to check and record patient data and attendance details
• To arrange/change outpatient appointments in the electronic diary, and inform patients and therapists accordingly
• To undertake general administrative tasks within the department particularly related to record keeping, filing, supplies, errands and message taking, photocopying, and absence cover rota for support staff
• To organise appropriate transport and interpreting services.

Work force

• To attend relevant therapy assistant training sessions
• To participate in the individual performance review (appraisal) scheme, and to be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set goals
• To participate in mandatory and statutory training as required, eg. basic life support, manual handling etc
• To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses as appropriate
• To contribute to the training of new / volunteer staff as requested by therapist
• To attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferences, multidisciplinary team meetings and other meetings as required

Financial

• To maintain and help administer stock and condition of therapy equipment on the wards and in the departments, reporting any defects or problems with equipment immediately to the senior therapist

Partnerships Communications and Relationships

• To report back to the delegating therapist relevant information regarding patient management
• To assist in dealing with distressed or verbally aggressive relatives and carers on the wards, in the therapy department and on home visits
• To take and make telephone calls with patients, colleagues and other medical staff.
• To communicate appropriately at all times with all individuals in a respectful manner
• To liaise with the other members of the multidisciplinary team, outside agencies, including out of borough equipment facilities, and patients' families as directed by therapists.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.